New and traditional ways of exploring the globe, and your own backyard.

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Camp Little Notch near Lake George

It's summer. A time for swimming, ice cream trucks, and summer camps.
And, yes, summer camps are mainly for kids but sometimes adults can have a little fun in the sun again too.
I went this past weekend to an open house at Camp Little Notch, located about 1.5 hours north-east of the Albany area. And for such a quick drive, you get a lot of reward in a sanctuary that feels like it's out in the middle of nowhere - in part because it basically is.
On the approximately 300 acres of land, there is a dining hall, dozens of platform tents with wooden foundations, lean-tos, cabins, bathrooms with running water for the sinks, showers, an Imagination Station for arts and crafts, a ropes course, rock wall, lots of buildings where kids can play games or hang out if the weather isn't cooperating (many complete with fire places), canoes, kayaks, sailboats, a beach, a log cabin dating back to the 1930s and a private body of water called Lake Pond.
Not to mention a historic furnace that helped build the first iron-clad boats back in the day is less than an hour hike away.
Long story short - it's a really cool facility.
Sure, they mainly cater to kids with a summer camp throughout July but I and a couple friends became a member of the Friends of Camp Little Notch so we could also have easy access of the camp.
There are member dates, dates when everyone is welcome, and even weekends for solo campers, only women campers, and deaf campers.
The plan is for it to eventually be a three-season camp for the spring, summer, and fall.
If you have kids, check it out. And, if you don't have kids, check it out too.

You don't have to be a member to enjoy the camp. All Friends camping, as they call it, means it is basically open to everyone:Dates: August 3-13Arrival: 9:00 amDeparture: 3:00 pm (on Aug. 13)Cost-Sliding Scale: $20-35 per day for adults, $10-25 per day for children. Children 5 and under are free. Food: Food is provided and included in the cost per day.Description: All Friends Camping is the perfect opportunity to take the whole family or just yourself on a getaway to Camp Little Notch. Come for the day,stay for a few days, or stay for the whole time. We will have organized activities such as swimming, boating, hiking, campfires, crafts and cookouts—lifeguards are provided. Campers are also welcome to relax and create their own fun. Food is provided and included in the cost per day.

But, if you do become a member ($25/year) here are some times you can come by:Dates for Day Use Only: May 27, May 28, September 3, September 16Arrival: 9:00 amDeparture: 6:00 pm (each day)Dates for Day and Overnight Use: August 1-2, August 17-19, October 12-14Arrival: 9:00 am Departure: 6:00 pm (on the last day) Note: If you are spending the night on August 1st and plan to stay for All Friends Camping, you may also stay over the night of August 2nd.Cost-Day Use: Day use is free for all members and up to 5 guests using guest passes. Once you have used your guest passes, additional day passes are $5 per person. Children 5 and under are free.Cost-Overnight Camping: $5 per person. Children 5 and under are free. Food: Bring your own food. Cooler/refrigeration space is not provided.Description: Being a member of Friends of Camp Little Notch is wonderful for many reasons. On several days and nights throughout the year, you are able to come to CLN for the day for free or camp overnight for just $5 a person. We would love to have you come take a hike, visit your favorite spot in camp, or show a new friend around. No food will be provided, but members are welcome to bring your own food to picnic and cookout.